Chapter 52

Annette von Beanes, who is now fulfilling her duties as one of the teachers at the National Academy, is a legitimate viscountess. At the age of 21, she naturally has no plans to marry. Typically, noble daughters marry in their teens. Annette is 20, and there is no family seeking her as a bride, which is why she has ended up teaching.

Despite this, Annette has no complaints about her life as a teacher, dealing with students. One could say she leads a fulfilling life. Given her original love for studies, one might even say it is her calling.

Annette's responsibilities include manners and dance, as well as basic academic skills. She oversees the manners and dance for all students. Because of this, she was aware of the disturbances caused by the students last year.

In particular, she was concerned about the former prince, Gerald. The only prince of the current king, Gerald was raised with great care, or perhaps too strictly. His attitude, even when viewed as a noble son, was far from commendable. In the academy, regardless of his status as a prince, he was just one student and had to obey the teachers. However, Gerald was different. Perhaps he saw himself as young and inexperienced. Despite being in a different grade, he repeatedly intruded during dance lessons to partner with a particular noble daughter. No matter how many times he was warned, he did not listen, which was quite exasperating.

At the time, the students were confused. Gerald had a fiancée, so his behavior was understandable. Moreover, his fiancée was the daughter of the Lithard Duke, one of the leading ducal families in the Ruberia Kingdom. Despite this, Gerald was with another noble daughter, and a lower-ranking one at that. The higher-ranking noble daughters were full of complaints, but since the Lithard Duke's daughter said nothing, everyone was watching the situation. Amidst this, the engagement was broken off at the founding anniversary party.

As a result, the parties involved, including Gerald, were expelled from the academy. Afterwards, the heads of their respective families made decisions. All Annette knows is that Gerald was disinherited and the noble sons were sent away from their homes. She does not know what happened to the noble daughter in question. The teachers had more pressing matters to attend to, such as caring for the daughters whose fiancés were involved in the scandal and following up with other students.

However, the only noble daughter who currently has a fiancé is the Lithard Duke's daughter. The other noble daughters seem to have developed a strong aversion to the idea of engagement. The image of the noble sons who could not even keep their promises has left a lasting impression on them.

Thinking about all this, Annette couldn't help but sigh.

"Miss Beanes, we're almost there."

"Yes, Professor Vogel."

Suddenly, a voice came from the side, and Annette straightened her back. The elderly gentleman beside her was Professor Vogel Rainer, a senior presence in the academy and one of Annette's former teachers. Even after several years, being called "Miss" by Vogel still felt unfamiliar.

"Are you nervous?"

"Perhaps."

"It has been a long time since you've seen the Crown Prince."

Being here with Vogel was nerve-wracking, but what made her even more nervous was the person she was about to greet. Crown Prince Alvis Ruberia Belfias, who was once her classmate. When they were in the same classroom, he didn't have that title. Although his position has changed significantly, Alvis was always someone Annette found hard to approach, even back then.

Alvis, as a classmate, was different from other noble sons because he was the second son of a duke and the son of the king's brother. He excelled in both academics and martial arts and had a high status, making him stand out in the academy. Many female students were infatuated with him, and Annette was one of them. Although she knew it was unrealistic, she was content just to admire him from a distance. Some students, however, actively pursued him, mostly noble daughters looking for suitable marriage partners.

Everyone watched to see who would win his heart, but in the end, he joined the knight corps without dating anyone. Joining the knight corps meant less involvement in social circles, and Annette thought he might remain single. However, she was surprised to learn that he had been made the crown prince and was engaged to the Lithard Duke's daughter. Annette was relieved that one of her former students was getting engaged, but she also felt a complex mix of emotions because it was to the person she had admired. It was probably presumptuous to have such feelings, given that Alvis likely didn't remember her.

"I haven't really interacted much with him since we were classmates."

"Still, it has been a long time since graduation. I believe His Highness will remember you."

"I hope so."

After this conversation, the royal carriage arrived. Seeing Alvis step out, protected by the royal guards, Annette felt her cheeks relax.

"It's Prince Belfias."

"Hmm... It's reassuring to see that he hasn't changed."

His attire was regal, but otherwise, he seemed unchanged. This was evident from the way he was chatting amicably with the guards. Even as a member of the royal family, Alvis's heart remained the same as when he was a prince. He wouldn't wield authority like Gerald. This was the Alvis that Annette knew.

She greeted him at the gate and led him to the principal's office. Since she wasn't allowed to enter, Annette had to wait in the hallway. After about an hour, they emerged. After a brief exchange of greetings, Annette moved to the floor where the upper-class students' classrooms were located. Although it had been some time since the lecture ended, a few students were still visible. As soon as they recognized Alvis, they froze in shock. Glancing at Alvis, Annette noticed a look of confusion on his face.

"Prince Belfias really hasn't changed."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Nothing, I'm just relieved."

Alvis tilted his head, not understanding, and Annette smiled wryly. As they walked, they arrived at their destination. Opening the door to the classroom, Annette saw several noble daughters gathered around a desk.

"Miss Lithard, we have a guest."

"Miss Annette...?!"

The noble daughters, who had been gathered around, turned to look. Among them was Elyna, the Lithard Duke's daughter. Seeing Annette's face, she then noticed the person behind her. Her eyes widened, and she quickly stood up, rushing to Annette with a speed that was uncharacteristic of her.

"Prince Alvis?! Teacher, why...?"

"He came to the academy because he had business with the principal."

Alvis answered for Annette. Understanding the nature of his business with the principal, Elyna regained her composure. Annette was surprised by the amicable conversation between Alvis and Elyna. She remembered that Alvis, during his student days, rarely initiated conversations with women and often wore a mask-like smile when he did. However, the expression on Alvis's face now was different. Annette, who had known him for a long time, could tell.

Standing a bit away, Annette watched the two. Alvis then turned to her.

"Miss Beanes, may I borrow Elyna?"

"Of course. Just make sure to observe the curfew at the dormitory."

Alvis called Annette "Miss" out of consideration for her role as a teacher, not as a noble lady. Annette was impressed by his thoughtfulness.

"Of course, I will strictly adhere to it. Elyna, is it okay if we talk for a little?"

"Yes!"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to borrow Elyna for a moment."

"Yes, of course."

The last part was directed at the other noble daughters, who stood up quickly and responded reflexively.

Elyna took Alvis's outstretched hand and walked back the way they had come, with Annette and the guards following. Inside the classroom, the noble daughters were left standing in a daze, staring at the direction in which the two had disappeared. It was understandable, given that they had seen the Crown Prince and been spoken to by him. However, Annette had a different thought.

"Prince Belfias offering his hand... I thought he hadn't changed, but this is something new."

Annette muttered to herself, finding it hard to believe that Alvis, as she knew him during his student days, would offer his hand.